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We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time. Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
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Enrollment
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Completed
Newsfeed > Katana's Profile
Katana's family
Katana
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Casual labor
faceAge:
34
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($370 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My unwavering focus is on witnessing a remarkable journey unfold—the academic success of my children. As a father, there is nothing more fulfilling than watching them excel in school, their young minds blossoming with knowledge and potential. I am deeply committed to providing them with every opportunity and resource they need to thrive. I am committed to providing them with all the support they need, both emotionally and intellectually, to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed. With a strong foundation in education, I believe they will go on to achieve their dreams and contribute positively to the world. My heart swells with pride at the thought of their accomplishments, and I eagerly anticipate the fulfillment of this heartfelt goal.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly's approach has left an indelible mark on my perception of assistance. The field officers' exceptional conduct has been a shining example of equality and integrity. Throughout the process, they treated everyone with respect and without discrimination, and remarkably, they never sought a bribe. This level of professionalism and dedication has not only restored my faith in aid organizations but has also set a precedent for how assistance should truly be provided.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a single father to five children has never been an easy road, especially with my meager income from my charcoal business. The recent unconditional cash transfer came as a lifeline, allowing me to address some pressing concerns. I immediately allocated $300 of the transfer to pay the school fees for my son, who is in high school. Education has been a constant struggle due to financial constraints, resulting in my children's on-and-off attendance and, consequently, their academic performance suffering. With the fees settled, I couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness and relief as I watched all my children head to school together, knowing they would finally receive the education they deserve. The remaining amount from the transfer was wisely invested in purchasing a dairy cow. This decision wasn't just about securing their future education; it was about long-term sustainability. The cow will provide a steady source of income through milk production, ensuring that I can consistently cover their school fees and meet their daily needs. As I look at the cow grazing in the field, I can't help but feel a sense of optimism for the first time in a while, knowing that I'm taking steps toward breaking the cycle of financial struggle for my family.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($440 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was relaxing outside my house after taking lunch. This is what I always do after completing my morning work of charcoal burning. It was around 2 pm when I received the message notification on the phone. I was eager to check and know the content of the text message since it was unusual to receive sms at that time. Surprisingly, I had received the transfer from Givedirectly which we were promised during the enrollment stages. I was happy to receive the transfer that would improve our living conditions as well as support the education of my 3 kids.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am able to support and pay the school fees of my children on time without struggling. This has improved their morale in pursuing their studies unlike before when they were always out of school due to pending fees. Furthermore, we are happy that we reside in a better and more respectable shelter than before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a single parent, living in a small one-roomed house together with 3 children, a girl and two boys. I had desired to own a decent house but my efforts were in vain due to the poverty condition in the family. I spent $280 to build a decent two-roomed structure, one room for myself and others for the children. Furthermore, I used $170 to support the education of my three children who are both in primary and secondary school. Remaining with them at home because of the huge fee arrears was bothering my mind. At the moment, they are learning without being discontinued because of the transfers. I also bought enough food with the remaining amount because of the ongoing famine in our area.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I plan to have a decent house that I can boast about. Imagine living in a small, iron sheets walled house which at the same time is half open! This has always exposed me to the danger of being attacked by the wild animals which mostly inhabit our area. My desire has never materialized due to lack of money but the arrival of GiveDirectly to our village is a blessing to me. With these transfers, I am sure of constructing a better house using an estimated amount of $500. This will spare me from the threat of wild animals and hence, a peaceful life. On the other hand, I have 3 children who are still schooling and their studies have been affected a lot since they are frequently sent home due to a lack of school fees. With this grant, I will buy 3 cows using $300, which will support them in the future once they join secondary school. The remaining amount ($200), will settle their current school fee arrears to guarantee them ample time in class. Therefore, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Despite the many challenges my children are going through in terms of getting school fees, they have recently recorded good marks at school. Their performances have always been satisfactory and what has motivated me most is when my son toped in their class. Their good efforts have ever been my source of energy to continue doing the hard charcoal work to support them in school. Therefore, I consider this as what has brought me joy in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I was once a motorcycle taxi but I got into an accident that forced me to stay jobless. Considering our area is not productive in terms of farming, I am now depending on charcoal work as my source of income. This job earns me very little, usually $60 a month, an income that goes into settling my bills leaving me with nothing to save. This situation has made me live in a horrible house because I can not afford to construct a decent one. Since our area is prone to elephants' inhabitation, I have always been in fear and this has never given me peace. What a sorrowful life!